In Wake of Supreme Court's Decision, Academy Will Continue Working to Ensure Access to Nutrition Services

For Release June 28, 2012

In Wake of Supreme Court’s Decision,

Academy
of Nutrition and Dietetics will Continue Working

To Ensure
Access to Nutrition Services

CHICAGO
– Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on June 28 that upholds the
constitutionality of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
(formerly the American Dietetic Association) said it will continue working to ensure
the public has access to high-quality and potentially lifesaving food and
nutrition services.

The Affordable Care Act includes
multiple provisions that increase the public’s access to health care and intend
to transform the system towards delivery of coordinated care.

“As the world’s largest organization
of food and nutrition professionals, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics supports reform provisions that enable the expansion of medical
nutrition therapy coverage and increased public access to registered dietitians
for preventive care,” said registered dietitian and Academy President Ethan A.
Bergman.

“Registered dietitians are among the
providers who play a key role in these initiatives, including the childhood
obesity demonstration project, home visiting programs, Medicaid expansion,
expanded Medicare preventive services through medical nutrition therapy,
employee wellness programs and community transformation grants.

“The continuation of this law
supports the valuable work registered dietitians and other qualified nutrition
professionals are doing to prevent illness and improve the well-being of all
Americans,” Bergman said. “By collaborating with strategic partners and
coalitions, the Academy is determined to stay at the forefront of health-care reform,”
Bergman said.

“As the
health-care system evolves, there are many opportunities for registered
dietitians and other providers to help prevent chronic disease and improve the
health of all Americans. We will continue
to provide essential care to consumers in settings such as hospitals, schools,
community centers, nursing homes and private practice,” Bergman said.

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The
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association)
is the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. The
Academy is committed to improving the nation’s health and advancing the
profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy. Visit the
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics at www.eatright.org.